We were able to create quarterly assessments for all our 5th and 4th grade classes. Initially we had done this; however they were all short answer questions. We decided that for many of our students (especially our EL students and SPED students), varying the format of the tests would be extremely beneficial. We created tests that have mutiple choice, matching, pictures, goal setting, Venn diagrams, self-assessment, etc. I'm excited to try these out.
We had done a few formal assessments and then we came across the problem and question of "What do we now do with these?" Besides using them for our own use, to give us feedback as teachers, to see what the students retained, we are not able to use them towards their grade. Currently our report card focuses on the affective domain (cooperation, sportsmanship, effort). All the elementary PE teachers decided that in order to utilize these assessments, we need to change our report card. Next year we're hoping to grade on all three domains. One grade for affective (same as now), one for psychomotor (their effort during skill work), and cognitive (which would include their knowledge based assessments.)
I think next years plan for assessing & grading each domain is terrific. That will hopefully bring the rigor of each units focus out and make it more assessable.
ReplyDeleteAt the J.H. the last two years we've been playing around with several types of assessment. Now after trial and error, with successes & failures, we have a different type of final assessment for each unit. From interviews, skills test, quiz, playbook creating, graphing, analysis, data collection, image creation... We feel there is a solid start and variety of assessment, which is hopefully making each unit more educationally enjoyable & more domain orientated assessment.
Sounds like the J.H. has quite the variety of assessment formats. I think that is awesome and it will definitely cater to a variety of learners.
ReplyDeleteDo you find yourself spending a lot of time with grading? Do you give out letter grades in J.H? Are you able to enter individual quizes or assignments, or how do you input the data from these assesments?